A prescribed pile burning of 1-10 treated acres of slash from felled dead trees and brush will take place Feb. 28-29 near Figueroa Mountain and other forest locations.

The goal of the series of pile burns is to reduce the risk of wildfire. Prescribed, or planned, fires typically burn less intensely than wildfires. Prescribed burns can help prevent the spread of wildfires and can reduce impacts to watersheds that can result in soil loss and sedimentation.

To minimize air quality impacts on surrounding communities, the prescribed burn is planned and coordinated by the Los Padres National Forest with the Air Pollution Control districts of Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo County, Ventura County and the San Joaquin Valley, and the California Air Resources Board.

Most burning operations will begin in the morning and conclude in the afternoon. However, some burning operations may continue through the evening to allow for full consumption of flammable material.

The burn will be conducted when meteorological conditions are highly favorable to direct smoke away from population centers.

The burn depends on weather and air quality conditions that are favorable for smoke dispersal. If the conditions are not as desired, the burn will be rescheduled.

To view a statewide prescribed burn map and other features, visit the Prescribed Fire Information Reporting System website.

Additional series of burns will occur through the spring as conditions permit.